A retrospective study of some socio-demograhic factors associated with pericoronitis in Nigerians.

Background: Pericoronitis is an infectious disease of the operculum overlying an erupting or semi-impacted tooth particularly the lower third molars. It is a painful, sometimes debilitating and common periodontal emergency commonly found in young adults.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the socio-demographic factors related to pericoronitis among Nigerians and compare these factors to other similar studies.

Methods: The patients included in this retrospective study were those who with a diagnosis of pericoronitis from January 2000 to December 2006. Socio-demographic and clinical data such as sex, age, tooth/teeth affected by pericoronitis and date of presentation were retrieved from the records of the Oral Diagnosis Clinic.

Results: During the study period, 373 patients presented with pericoronitis, 222 (59.5%) were female and 151 (40.5%) were male. The peak age of occurrence of pericoronitis was 19-23 years, accounting for 170 (45%) of the patients. The occurrence of pericoronitis was highest in the month of February, 67 (18%), followed by January (14.5%). The lower left third molar 169 (453%) was more affected than the lower right third molar 138 (37.1%) or combination of either lower third molars 66 (17.7%). More females 136 (68.1%) than males 64 (32.3%) were affected particularly in the younger age groups 14-23 years.

Conclusion: Pericoronitis occurs more often in adult female Nigerians while the lower left third molar is the commonest tooth associated with this condition. Further studies are required to elicit the predisposing factors in this group of Nigerians.